Great Onsen in Hokkaido

Speaking of "Great Onsen", What does everybody remind? A very large bathhouse? Or a very new bathhouse? Although "Great Onsen" is said, the meaning of "Great Onsen" is different depending on people. In my case, hot spring ingredients depositing bath or bath floor are "Great Onsen". I am impressed at travertine like small Pamukkale in Turkey and rice terrace (千枚田). Except that, I will introduce "Great Onsen" that I was moved, too. This is just my personal opinion, please try askking onsen expert in detail.

Open-air Bath

Great Hot Spring Precipitates

Hot spring ingredients have deposited and coated bath or bath floor with the hot spring precipitates for a long time, and natural beauty are born. Most shapes are great. Historical onsen ryokan have those great onsen in Southern Hokkaido generally, so visitors can enjoy years time of the onsen ryokan. Because the appearance of the bath or the bath floor are marvelous, I can not help moving. Except following, Ikenohata Onsen Ryokan in Hakodate has a marvelous indoor bath.

Motta Kaigan Onsen

Motta Kaigan Onsen is a hot spring place in Shimamaki village located in the southwestward direction of Otaru city. Only Motta Kaigan Onsen Ryokan (モッタ海岸温泉旅館) is built along Raiden National Route (雷電国道 * National Route 229). The hot spring place is far away from Sappro and Hakodate, and it takes about 3 hours 30 minutes by car, so few tourists visit here. For that reason, here is a little-known spot, so a lot of onsen lovers and local people come because of high quality hot springs. Article is here

Hot Spring Ingredient Has Been Deposited on Floor of Bathroom

Kamuiwaki Onsen

Kamuiwaki Onsen (神威脇温泉) in the western part of Okushiri Island is only hot spring place in Okushiri Island, and this onsen is located on the westermost of Hokkaido, too, and is famous for the beautiful sunset. There are 2 hot spring facilities next to Kitaoimisaki Park and Kamuiwaki fishing port (神威脇漁港), and Kamuiwaki Onsen Hoyojo (神威脇温泉保養所) is built on the seaside, and Onsen Hotel Midorikan (温泉ホテル緑館) is built on the hillside. The distance is around 20 km away from the center of the Okushiri. Unfortunately, restraunts, cafes, cafes, souvenir shops and convenience stores are not built around here. Article is here

Kamuiwaki Onsen Hoyojo

Iwaobetsu Onsen

Iwaobetsu Onsen (岩尾別温泉) is a hot spring place at about 215 m above sea level in Shari town located in the north side of Shiretoko peninsula (知床半島), and is famous as one of secret hot springs in Shiretoko National Park, and is near Kamuiwakka Hot Falls (カムイワッカ湯の滝) and Shiretoko Goko Lakes (知床五湖), and have famous natural open-air baths, Sandan-no-Yu (三段の湯) and Takimi-no-Yu (滝の湯). Only Hotel Chinohate (ホテル地の涯) and Kihoshita Hut (木下小屋) are built at the end of Hokkaido Road 93, and are used as hiker bases for Mt. Rausudake (羅臼岳). Unfortunately, restraunts, cafes, cafes, souvenir shops and convenience stores are not built. They close a business in a winter season because the Hokkaido Road 93 is closed to traffic. Article is here

Sandan-no-Yu from Top

Sakurano Onsen

Sakurano Onsen (桜野温泉) is a hot spring place in Yakumo town located in the northwestern part of Hakodate city, and is one of secret onsen in Yakumo. Only Kumane-so (熊嶺荘) is built along Hokkaido Road 573 at about 115 m above sea level in a mountain that is around 15 km away from Nodaoi Station. The distance is around 20 km far away from the center of the Yakumo, Unfortunately, restraunts, cafes, souvenir shops and convenience stores are not built around here. The Sakurano Onsen was known by Ainu people since a long time ago. When Mr. Yoshichika Tokugawa (徳川義親), the family head of Owari branch of the Tokugawa clan, visited here in early 1900s, he heard about a damaged bear that soaked its body in a hot spring pond, and named "Kumane Onsen" (熊嶺温泉). * Kuma means "Bear" in Japanese. By the way, a wood carving of a bear, a famous Yakumo's speciality, is at his suggestion. After that, Mr. Kado Shiro Yokota (横田門四郎) built an onsen hut in 1930, and it was called "Yokota Onsen" (横田温泉). But it was closed down. The kumane-so has opened a business since 1966, and up to now. Article is here

Hot Springs Flow on Hierapolis-Pamukkale-like Floor

Chihasegawa Onsen

Chihasegawa Onsen (千走川温泉) is a hot spring place in Shimamaki village facing the Sea of Japan located in the northern part of Hakodate city, and is about 6 km away from the center of the Shimamaki. Only Chihasegawa Onsen Ryokan (ちはせ川温泉旅館) is built at about 80 m above sea level in a mountain. Hot springs were discovered in 1871. There are Garo Falls (賀老の滝) and Dragon Water (ドラゴンウォーター) near here. By the way, the Dragon Water is natural carbonated spring that is gushing out from cracks of rocks. A taste is just like Perrier. It seems to be effective for Chronic digestive diseases, Constipation and Anemia. The Dragon Water is connected with the Dragon King Legend of the Garo Falls, so is named after it. Article is here

Hot Springs Are Gushing out from Bottom of Bath

Nigorigawa Onsen

Nigorigawa Onsen (濁川温泉) is a hot-spring place in Mori town located the northern part of Hakodate city. The basin is named Nigorigawa Caldera (濁川カルデラ) with a diameter of 2 km, and the Nigorigawa Onsen is like a hidden village surrounded by mountains. Active volcanic activity continues on the Nigorigawa Caldera, so only geothermal plant in Hokkaido is built. There are almost fields on the caldera, and vegetables are grown with using hot springs, and and common people use the hot springs at each family. Around 200 hot spring wells are built, and water vapors rise here and there. Hothouse vegetables such as Tomato and Cucumber with using hot springs are local speciality. Article is here

Shineikan

Shiriuchi Onsen

Shiriuchi Onsen (知内温泉) is a hot spring place in Shiriuchi town located in the southwestern part of Hakodate city. Only Utopia Warakuen (ユートピア和楽園) is bulit at about 50 above sea level in a mountain. The distance is around 12 km away from the center of the Shiriuchi. Unfortunately, restraunts, cafes, souvenir shops and convenience stores are not built. But Shiriuchi Dam (知内ダム) and Omonai Observatory (重内展望台) are relatively near here. It is said that the shiriuchi Onsen has the oldest onsen in Hokkaido. There is Raiko Shrine (雷公神社) that is well-known for the oldest shrine across 25th generations in Hokkaido near here, Ono Tosa Diary (大野土佐日記) is handed down to posterity. According to legend, Mr. Daigaku Araki (荒木大学) came to Hokkaido to discover gold with his family and followers in 1205, and built Yakushi-do as opening onsen in 1247. The legend in 1200s and family line with 25th generations are considerable rare in Hokkaido. Article is here

Hot Spring Ingredients Precipitate on Bath Floor

Yunotai Onsen

Yunotai Onsen (湯ノ岱温泉) is a hot spring place in Kaminokuni town located in the western part of Hakodate city. The distance is around 16 km far away from the center of the Kaminokuni, and Kaminokuni Onsen National Health Center (上ノ国町国民温泉保養センター) is built along Amanogawa River. A few houses are built around here, but restraunts, cafes, souvenir shops and convenience stores are not built. A famous tourist attraction in the Kaminokuni is Mt. Iouzan (夷王山) with a panoramic view of the Sea of Japan, and there are Yoake-no-to Tower (夜明けの塔), a campsite and Tateyamakan (勝山館) on the mountain. Article is here

Futamata Radium Onsen

Futamata Radium Onsen (二股ラヂウム温泉) is a hot spring place in Oshamanbe town located in the western part of Lake Toya (洞爺湖). Only Futamata Radium Onsen Ryokan (二股らじうむ温泉旅館) is built at around 200 m above sea level at the foot of Mt. Oshamanbedake, and is well-known as a secret onsen. A building surrounded by trees is around the end of Hokkaido Road 842. The distance is around 20 km far away from the center of the Oshamanbe, and restraunts, cafes, souvenir shops and convenience stores are not built. There is a calcareous sinter with 25 m in height beside the building, and it has been designated as a natural monument by Hokkaido in 1965, and has been still growing up. This is one of only 2 largest calcareous sinters in the world together with Travertine Terraces in Yellowstone National Park. The huge calcareous sinter grow up, so the power of hot springs must be strong. Article is here

Open-air Baths

Kaitorima Onsen

Kaitorima Onsen (貝取澗温泉) is a hot spring hotel in Taisei ward, Setana town located in the northwestern part of Hakodate city. Visitors turn along Oiwake Soran Line (National Route 229), and go straight for around 600 m along kaitorima River, and only Awabisan-so (あわび山荘) is built adjacent to Taisei Campsite (大成野営場), and campers pay camp fee at the Awabisan-so. Unfortunately, restraunts, cafes, cafes, souvenir shops and convenience stores are not built around there. There are Otayama Shrine (太田山神社), Parent and Child Bears Shaped Rocks (親子熊岩) and Usubetsu Onsen (臼別温泉) near here. Kaitorima means "Place between Rocks" in Ainu language. I suppose that there are not rocks only at the mouth of the Kaitomari River in rocky cliff seashore. The Kaitorima Onsen passed a rigorous screening in 1976, and has been appointed by Minister for the Environment, and is one of 15 nation insurance hot spring resorts in Hokkaido. Article is here

Rocks Were Petrified by Hot Spring Ingredients

Yakumo Onsen

Yakumo Onsen (八雲温泉) is a hot spring place in Yakumo town located in northwest part of Hakodate city. A signboard of Oboko-so (おぼこ荘) is a mark along Kumoishi National Route (雲石国道 * Nationa Route 277), and visitors turn and go straight for around 1 km, and Only Oboko-so (おぼこ荘) is built at around 200 m above sea level at the foot of Mt. Obokodake (雄鉾岳), and is one of secret onsen in Yakumo. The distance is around 20 km away from the center of the Yakumo, and restraunts, cafes, souvenir shops and convenience stores are not built around here. This place was well-known for hot spring gushing out at Yurappu Mine (遊楽部鉱山) in the Meiji period, and Mr. Yonetaro Takami (高見米太郎) built an onsen hut, and it was called "Takami Onsen (高見温泉)" at the time. After that, it was closed down, and Municipal Yakumo Onsen was founded in 1995. Then it was privatized, and up to now. By the way, around here has the legend of hidden treasure that the remnants of Tokugawa's defeated army hide treasure hid the treasure in Hakodate War. Article is here

Open-air Bath

Hoheikyo Onsen

Yawaragi-no-Sato Hoheikyo Onsen (やわらぎの里 豊平峡温泉) is a popular hot spring facility for day trip bath in the southwestern part of Sapporo city, and won the first place in TripAdvisor "Day Trip Hot Spring Facility Category in 2013" in Japan. Hoheikyo is farther than Jozankei Onsen (定山渓温泉) from downtown. There are Hoheikyo Dam (豊平峡ダム) saving water for Lake Jozan (定山湖), Shizen-no-Mura (自然の村 * nature village) with cottages and an auto camping ground near the Hoheikyo Onsen. Furthermore, Indian Curry of Onsen Shokudo (Onsen食堂のインドカレー) at a building of the Hoheikyo Onsen is famous, too, and a lot of people visit here only to eat the Indian Curry. In addition, a photography was prohibited at a bathhouse. Article is here

Hot Springs Flow on Hierapolis-Pamukkale-like Floor

Horoka Onsen

Horoka Onsen (幌加温泉) is a hot spring place in Kamishihoro town located in the northern part of Obihiro city. A blue signboard of the Horoka Onsen is a mark along Nukabira National Route (糠平国道 * National Route 273), and visitors turn and go straight for around 1.5 km, and the end of the road is the Horoka Onsen. Only Kanoya Onsen Ryokan (鹿の谷温泉旅館) is built at around 700 m above sea level at the foot of Mt. Horoka in the Higashi-Daisetsu region, Daisetsuzan Natioanl Park (大雪山国立公園 東大雪地区), and is well-known as a secret onsen. It is out of signal area. There is a trailhead for Mt. Nipesotsu, but restraunts, cafes, souvenir shops and convenience stores are not built around here. Lake Nukabira (糠平湖) is near here, and there are Concrete Arches of Former Shihorosen Railway (旧国鉄士幌線廃線跡コンクリートアーチ橋梁群) including Taushubetsugawa Bridge (タウシュベツ川橋梁), and Nukabira Onsen, Nukabira Dam, Forest Truck Railway Eco Rail (森のトロッコ・エコレール), Mikuni Pass (三国峠) and Naitai Highland Farm (ナイタイ高原牧場) are relatively near here, too. Article is here

Open-air Bath

Seseragi Onsen

Seseragi Onsen (せせらぎ温泉) is a hot spring place in Hokuto city located in the northwest part of Hakodate city. It takes about 10 minutes by car from New Hakodate Hokuto Station. Hot springs were succeeded in drilling from 1360 m below ground in 1992, and it was named after Ono River (大野川) near. Hokuto Municipal Health Center (北斗市健康センター) relatively near the center of Hokuto city is built at a residential area. There are 2 places famous for cherry blossoms, Houki Temple (法亀寺) and Ruins of Matsumae Clan Hekirichi Jinya (松前藩戸切地陣屋跡) around here. In addition, Kijihiki Highland Panoramic Lookout (きじひき高原パノラマ展望台), Trappist Monastery (トラピスト修道院), Tomae Onsen Shinwa-no-Yu (東前温泉 しんわの湯) are famous tourist attractions in Hokuto. As for the restraunts and shops in Hokuto city, Yakiniku Hibiya (焼肉ひび屋), Trappist Monastery Shop (トラピスト修道院の売店), Bento Cafe Yonichi Garden (ベントー カフェ ヨンイチ ガーデン), Ramen Shodai Yashiro (らーめん初代 社), Kantaro Kamiiso Branch (函太郎 上磯店), Suzuki Ranch Shop (鈴木牧場の売店), Ramen Idaten (らーめん韋駄天) and Nagomitei (なごみ亭) are popular in particular. Article is here

Hot Spring Ingredients Precipitated

Great Acid Onsen

Great Acid Onsen is Kawayu Onsen (川湯温泉). It has a ph of around 1.8, most acid hot springs in Hokkaido, and is popular for great strong acidic hot springs in Japan together with Tamagawa Onsen in Akita prefecture, Kusatsu Onsen in Gunma prefecture, Zao Onsen in Yamagata prefecture and Sukayu Onsen in Aomori prefecture. The heat source of the strong acidic hot springs is Mt. Iou, and a small nail is dissolved in the strong acidic hot springs while dipping into the hot springs 2 weeks. Therefore, you will probably think of dangerous hot springs. But when people bath the strong acidic hot springs, it is said that those remove old keratin, and promote the metabolism. Those do not seem to affect on a human body.

Kawayu Onsen

Kawayu Onsen (川湯温泉) is a famous hot-spring place in Teshikaga town located in the northern part of Kushiro city. There are Mt. Iou (硫黄山), Lake Kussharo (屈斜路湖) and Lake Mashu (摩周湖) around the Kawayu Onsen, and it is a base for sightseeing, and about 0.7 million tourists come every year. Ph of the hot springs is about 1.8, and the Kawayu Onsen is popular for great strong acidic hot springs in Japan together with Tamagawa Onsen in Akita prefecture, Kusatsu Onsen in Gunma prefecture, Zao Onsen in Yamagata prefecture and Sukayu Onsen in Aomori prefecture. They are proud of high quality hot springs, and chant "100% narutal free flowing hot springs" as a whole, and all the hot spring facilities use the 100% narutal free flowing hot springs. Article is here

Ikedaya

Great Alkaline Onsen

On the other hand, Great Alkaline Onsen is Osoushi Onsen (オソウシ温泉). It has a ph of 10, most alkaline hot springs in Hokkaido, and ranks as one of the top 10 in Japan. Strong alkaline hot springs seem to be in the same state as soapy water, and work to remove dirt, so bathers only have to soak in a bath. The hot springs have very smooth and slippery touch.

Osoushi Onsen

Osoushi Onsen (オソウシ温泉) is a hot spring place in Shintoku town located in the northwest of Obihiro city. Only Shikanoyu-so (鹿乃湯荘) has opened a business in a mountain of Estern Daisetsu Area, Daisetuzan National Park. The Shikanoyu-so has highest alkaline hot springs (ph 10) in Hokkaido, and the strong alkaline hot springs like soapy water with smooth and slippery touch is famous. A secret onsen in the heart of the mountain is popular for a lot of onsen lovers, too. The Shikanoyu-so is hard to be founded, and is around 6 km distance through a forestry road from Hokkaido Road 718 (北海道道718号). Drive carefully because the narrow road is rough. In addition, careful of bears and deers across the road. Unfortunately, restraunts, cafes, souvenir shops and convenience stores are not built. It is out of signal area. Article is here

Mixed Bathing Open-air Bath Is Closed in Winter

Great Beauty Bath Hot Springs

It is said that the meta-silicic acid is effective for beautiful skin, and the hot springs including the meta-silicic acid with over 200 mg/kg is called the beauty bath hot springs. In Hokkado, Niseko Grand Hotel has most the meta-silicic acid content of 599.4mg/kg in Niseko Konbu Onsen (ニセコ昆布温泉), and ranks as one of the top 5 in Japan, and so it may be said to be super beauty bath hot springs.

Niseko Konbu Onsen

Niseko Konbu Onsen (ニセコ昆布温泉) is a hot spring resort town in Niseko town located in the southwestern part of Sapporo city. There is Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort, and a lot of tourists come to enjoy skiing and snowboarding. 15 accommodations such as hotels, onsen inn, pensions and a hot spring facility dot along Niseko Anbetsu River (ニセコアンベツ川) and around the ski resort. Except the accommodations, cafes, restaurants and Izakaya are built, but convenience stores are not built. The Niseko Konbu Onsen is very close to Niseko Annupuri Onsen, too. Article is here

Great Oil Onsen

Toyotomi Onsen (豊富温泉) is a famous hot spring place that is representative of oil onsen in Hokkaido. The metaboric acid content that is effective for psoriasis and atopic dermatitis is most in Hokkaido. It is well-known for being effective for psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, so a lot of visitors come to cure their illness.

Toyotomi Onsen

Toyotomi Onsen (豊富温泉) is a hot spring place located in Toyotomi town in the southern part of Wakkanai city, and is on the foot of Toyotomi Onsen Ski Resort (豊富温泉スキー場). It is far from the city area, and takes about 10 minutes by a vehicle. Toyotomi Onsen has hot springs mixed oil, and is famous for effective for psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. There are 7 hot spring facilities at the Toyotomi Onsen, and some restaurants open a business at some accommodations. But some accommodations have closed their businesses, and there are not a convenience store and a souvenir shop in the Toyotomi Onsen, so the hot spring place looks a deserted street. There are the Toyotomi Onsen Ski Resort and Nature Observation Center (自然観察館) around the hot spring place. Article is here

Fureai Center

Great Aluminum Onsen

It is said that few aluminum-containing springs are in Japan, and Esan Onsen (恵山温泉 * 325.7mg/kg in 2010) and Ishida Onsen (石田温泉 * 432.5mg/kg in 1984）are most aluminum content in the Japan. A composition of Ishdida Onsen hot springs is very old, so the content may change at present. Both hot spring sources are in Mt. Esan, and seem to be effective for a skin disease. In addition, the ferrous iron content is most in the Japan, too.

Esan Onsen

Esan Onsen (恵山温泉) is a hot spring place in Esan, Hakodate city located in the eastern part of Hakodate city. Esan Onsen Ryokan (恵山温泉旅館) is built at about 90 m above sea level in the foot of Mt. Esan. There are Esan-Kakokgen (恵山火口原), Esan Observatory (恵山展望台), Misaki Lookout (岬展望台), Azalea Park (つつじ公園), Ishida Onsen (石田温泉) and Misaki Onsen (御崎温泉) around here. Unfortunately, convenience stores are not built around the building. The Esan Onsen Ryokan is adjacent to the Azalea Park that is famous for beautiful azalea. A guide map introduced "The distance between a trailhead and a lookout around a hilltop is 500 m. It takes about 20 minutes on foot". I supposed that it was easy to go up because the distance was very short, but there was very rough path, and the path was a steep slope, and I was considerably out of breath. Esan Tsutsuji Festival (恵山つつじまつり) is held in late May. Article is here

Indoor Bath

Ishida Onsen

Ishida Onsen (石田温泉) is a hot spring place in Esan, Hakodate city located in the eastern part of Hakodate city. Ishida Onsen Ryokan (石田温泉旅館)is built at about 50 m above sea level in the foot of Mt. Esan. There are Esan-Kakokgen (恵山火口原), Esan Observatory (恵山展望台), Misaki Lookout (岬展望台), Azalea Park (つつじ公園), Esan Onsen (恵山温泉) and Misaki Onsen (御崎温泉) around here. Unfortunately, convenience stores are not built around the building. The Ishida Onsen Ryokan is relatively near the Azalea Park that is famous for beautiful azalea. A guide map introduced "The distance between a trailhead and a lookout around a hilltop is 500 m. It takes about 20 minutes on foot". I supposed that it was easy to go up because the distance was very short, but there was very rough path, and the path was a steep slope, and I was considerably out of breath. Esan Tsutsuji Festival (恵山つつじまつり) is held in late May. Article is here

View from Indoor Bath

Great Department Store of Hot Springs

The hot springs of Japan are roughly classified into 10 types, Simple Spring (単純温泉), Chloride Spring (塩化物泉), Hydrogen Carbonate Spring (炭酸水素塩泉), Sulfate Spring (硫酸塩泉), Carbon Dioxide Spring (二酸化炭素泉), Iron Spring (含鉄泉), Acidic Spring (酸性泉), Iodine Spring (含よう素泉), Sulfur Spring (硫黄泉) and Radioactive Spring (放射能泉) at present. 7 types of the hot springs, the Chloride Spring, the Hydrogen Carbonate Spring, the Sulfate Spring, the Iron Spring, the Acidic Spring, the Sulfur Spring and the Radioactive Spring are found in the Noboribetsu Onsen. It is said that the Noboribetsu Onsen is called a department store of the hot springs depending on various lineup of the hot springs. By the way, it is said that Beppu Onsen (別府温泉) in Kyushu has the widest variety of the hot springs in Japan, and those are 8 types of the hot springs, so the Noboribetsu Onsen closes on the largest number of the hot spring in Japan.

Noboribetsu Onsen

Noboribetsu Onsen (登別温泉) is a famous hot-spring resort in Noboribetsu city located in the northeastern part of Muroran city, and is one of the 3 major hot spring resorts in Hokkaido together with Jozankei Onsen (定山渓温泉) and Yunokawa Onsen (湯の川温泉). Hot springs spring 10000 liters everyday, so a quantity of the hot springs is abundant, too. About 3 million tourists come every year. Noboribetsu Onsen is one of major hot-spring resort that around 14 accommodations open in Hokkaido. Except the hot springs, there are abundant sightseeing spots such as Jigokudani (地獄谷 * Hell valley), Noboribetsu Bear Ranch (のぼりべつクマ牧場) and Lake Kuttara (倶多楽湖), too. There are a footbath, restaurants, cafes, bars with a surcharge, souvenir shops and Noboribetsu Gateway Center (登別ゲートウェイセンター) sponsoring activities at the hot-spring resort. Onsen Ichiba (温泉市場) and Jigoku Ramen of Aji-no-Daio Nobotibetsu Onsen Branch (味の大王 登別温泉店の地獄ラーメン) are popular in particular. In addition, a huge ogre with 18 m in height stands at an entrance of the hot-spring resort and he greets us. A mascot of Noboribetsu Onsen is the ogre. The ogres can be seen here and there. Article is here

Noboribetsu Sekisuitei

Great View

Hokkaido has a vast land, so onsen has a good view surely. Most hot spring facilities build a blindfold fence not to be looked by people, so a lot of the hot spring facilities with the good view are high hotels or are built on a hill. Enjoy the good view of Hokkaido while taking a bath!

Niseko Kogane Onsen

Niseko Kogane Onsen (ニセコ黄金温泉) is a hot spring facility for day trip bath in Rankoshi town. A building is surrounded by fields, and Mr. Hayashi (林) and his wife, around 80 years old, run it. Originally they used to be a farmer, and hot springs gushed out when they dug agricultural well water, so they built the hot spring facility on their site. It is surprising that all facilities about the hot springs are handmade. Article is here

Open-air Bath

Shakotan Onsen

Shakotan Onsen (積丹温泉) in Shakotan town is a hot-spring place at the tip of Shakotan Peninsula, and Misaki-no-Yu Shakotan (岬の湯しゃこたん) beside Nozuka Primary School (野塚小学校) is built on a hill at 43 m above sea level. There are Cape Kamui (神威岬) and Shimamui Coast (島武意海岸) that are representative famous sightseeing spots of Hokkaido around the Shakotan Onsen. Nozuka Campsite (野塚野営場) is close to the Shakotan Onsen, too. The Cape Shakotan is famous for Sea Urchin Rice Bowl (ウニ丼), and is well-known for tasty sea food, too. Misaki (みさき), Nakamuraya (中村屋), Rinko (鱗晃) and Rinko-so (鱗晃荘) are popular in particular. Unfortunately, convenience stores are not built. Nonstop buses do not run from the Shakotan Onsen to Sapporo or Otaru. Article is here

Tokachidake Onsen

Tokachidake Onsen (十勝岳温泉) is a hot-spring place in Kamifurano town located in the southernern part of Asahikawa city. There are 2 buildings, Yumoto Ryounkaku (湯元凌雲閣) and Kamihoro-so (カミホロ荘) at around 1200 m above sea level, and it is said that the Kamihoro-so is a hot spring facility at the highest place in Hokkaido. There is a trailhead to Tokachidake Mountain Range (十勝岳連峰) at the end of a road, and a free parking lot and a restroom are built, too. The trailhead is next to the Yumoto Ryounkaku, and the Kamihoro-so is located under there little. The Tokachidake Onsen is famous for enjoying Sunrise, Sunset and Sea of Clouds because of the high place. Fall foliage are beautiful in an autumn, so a lot of tourists come. Unfortunately, restraunts, cafes, cafes, souvenir shops and convenience stores are not built. Article is here

Yumoto Ryounkaku

Toyako Onsen

Toyako Onsen (洞爺湖温泉) is a large hot-spring resort located in the south side of Lake Toya (洞爺湖) between Toya town and Sobetsu town, and is one of the 5 major hot spring resorts in Hokkaido together with Jozankei Onsen (定山渓温泉), Yunokawa Onsen (湯の川温泉), Sounkyo Onsen (層雲峡温泉) and Noboribetsu Onsen (登別温泉), and 3 million tourists come every year. The Toyako Onsen is a base for sightseeing of the Lake Toya, and there are 15 accommodations, handbaths, footbaths, restaurants, souvenir shops, convenience stores, Funsui-hiroba Fountain (噴水広場公園), Toyako Visitor Center Volcano Science Museum (洞爺湖ビジターセンター火山科学館), a ferry port in the hot-spring resort, and there are Mt. Usu (有珠山), Mt. Showashinzan (昭和新山), Nishiyama Sanroku Kako Walking Path (西山火口散策路) and Konpira Crater Lookout (金比羅火口展望台) around the lake. A Lake Toya speciality manju Wakasaimo (わかさいも) and Ippontei (一本亭) that got the Bib Gourmand in MICHELIN GUIDE Hokkaido 2012 Special Edition are famous, too. Article is here

Akanko Onsen

Akanko Onsen (阿寒湖温泉) is a hot-spring resort in the south side of Lake Akan (阿寒湖) located between Kushiro city and Abashiri city, and is the largest hot-spring resort in Eastern Hokkaido, and is a base for sightseeing of Akan Mashu Natioanl Park (阿寒摩周国立公園), and 1.5 million people visit here annually. It has a long history, and Ainu people had already used hot springs in 1858. After that, it is said that the origin of the Akanko Onsen is that a ryokan was built in 1912. About 20 accommodations are built at the Akanko Onsen, and huge buildings catch people's eyes. Maeda-Ippoen Foundation (前田一歩園財団) owns almost lands and the hot springs of the Akanko Onsen, and provides the hot springs gushed from 13 hot spring sources to hot spring facilities and private houses. Without mixing the hot springs gushed out from 13 hot spring sources, the hot springs are slightly different depending on the hot spring facilities. Therefore, visitors can enjoy difference in the hot springs at various hot spring facilities. By the way, the largeest Ainu Kotan (アイヌコタン) in Hokkaido is formed thanks to Mrs. Mitsuko Maeda (前田光子), the 3rd-generation president of the Maeda-Ippoen Foundation. Article is here

Utoro Onsen

Utoro Onsen (ウトロ温泉) is a hot-spring place in Utoro, Shari town located in the middle of Shiretoko Peninsula (知床半島) and is called another name Shiretoko Onsen (知床温泉), and there are about 16 hot spring facilities. Utoro is one of the 3 major superb views in Hokkaido together with Shakotan and Benbe Rebun (Rebunge, Toyoura), and has been well-known as a scenic area since a long time ago. Hot springs were succeeded in drilling in 1971, and the Utoro Onsen has been developed as a tourist hub for Shiretoko Goko Lakes and Kamuiwakka Hot Falls, etc. in the north side of the Shiretoko Peninsula, and is a popular hot-spring resort for enjoying the sun set over the Sea of Okhotsk and mountains of Rausu. Article is here

Map

Blog Writer:good! hokkaido!

I am from Nayoro, and used to live in Kushiro and Sapporo, and have been back Hokkaido after I lived in Kanagawa prefecture for 14 years again. Around 50-year-Japanese old boy mainly have released articles that I found nature, tourist attractions, onsen and foods in the Hokkaido to the non-Hokkaido people. I am bad English, so I apologize if you do not understand the meaning. Using photos are my photos, free images, various tourism associations’ photos and photos cited from official websites and so on. Reproduction of my photos and texts from within this site is prohibited.As for my photos, I used to provide those for profit, but I stop providing the photos now. Most of youtube movies belong to others, and I just share those on my blog.